Landmarks across the world switch off lights to mark Earth Hour
Landmarks across the world have switched off their lights this evening to mark Earth Hour.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, and the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, have gone dark alongside Buddha statue and the Akshardham Hindu temple in India this evening as part of the annual environmental grassroots movement, spearheaded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Landmarks in London are expected to also go dark later this evening as Earth Hour takes place at 8.30pm local time.
Previous years have seen Big Ben, the Sydney Opera House, Golden Gate Bridge, the Burj Khalifa, Times Square and Table Top Mountain turn out the lights.
Millions of people can use the 60 minutes to do something positive for the planet, like turning off their lights for one hour, signing a petition, sharing energy saving tips or supporting wildlife, WWF said.
Ahead of this year’s Earth Hour, WWF UK surveyed more than 2,100 UK adults on their opinions about the current state of climate action.
The poll, conducted by YouGov, suggested that 70% of people think it is still possible to avoid the worst effects of climate change and 76% think businesses and governments can have a large impact on tackling the crisis.
More than half of respondents (58%) highlighted the need for drastic action while just 12% think the current action is sufficient, it also found.
Kate Norgrove, executive director of advocacy and campaigns at WWF, said: “Our research shows that climate change is a concern for people across the UK – but there is hope.
“People are already taking action in their daily lives to tackle the climate and nature crisis, and when we work together, we can make a real difference.”
“This is a big year for the UK and the planet. With an election imminent, there is clear public support for politicians and businesses to tackle climate change and restore nature.”
It comes after WWF published its 2024 manifesto earlier this month, calling on MPs to take urgent political action on biodiversity loss and the environment.
Ahead of Earth Hour, the charity also launched a nationwide petition urging political leaders to stop fuelling the destruction of nature, which has so far attracted more than 21,000 signatures.
Ms Norgrove said: “Net zero is the economic opportunity of our generation – we urge all party leaders to step up their ambition and unlock a future of lower bills, future-proofed jobs and growth, and a 21st century economy powered by cheap, clean British energy.
“Quick and decisive action can help save our world – there is no time to lose.”
WWF said that last year saw the biggest Earth Hour since its launch in 2007, with more than 410,000 hours given to the planet by supporters in 190 countries and territories.
